
Hosted by BBC Radio 4 · EN
Contemporary drama in a rural setting.

Pat and Tony are admiring their garden at Bridge Farm. Whilst joking over Tony’s award, Pat says Tony has to break the news on their decision to Tom and Helen. Helen arrives early asking if she can check the attic for Jack’s old baby clothes. Pat connects the dots and asks if Kirsty is pregnant. Flustered Helen admits it. Later, to Tom’s surprise, Tony tells Helen and Tom that they’ve decided to go with the climate-controlled greenhouse. Whilst Tom goes to grab his laptop from the car to show Helen his pitch, Pat tells Helen that she’ll have the baby clothes washed ready for Kirsty. Tom reappears quicker than expected and overhears that Kirsty is pregnant and decides to go finish the watering straight away. Helen finds Tom and ask’s if he’s doing alright. Tom insists he’s fine and that this is great for Kirsty. The Aldridges receive the same text from Brian telling them they will be paid £7000 each for the seed drill. Kate, Alice and Adam debate whether this is a peace offering or a victory, but all think Brian is finally doing the right thing. Alice finds it a bit cold. Kate decides to text back a thank you and floats the idea of a family meal. At Honeysuckle cottage whilst the roast beef is sitting, Adam proposes he and Ian start on the wine to celebrate. Ian tries to hold his tongue, but thinks Brian owes Adam more for all the work he has put in. But Adam thinks they should now move on.

Bert and Lynda arrive for the shop volunteer taster session – Lynda to see if anything’s changed since her last stint. She is critical of the shop’s layout and Bert adds niggles – the strength of the door and the volume of the bell. Lynda decides it’s not changed enough to entice her back. Susan is surprised that her father wants to volunteer, and that the change of scene he’d longed for was company at the shop, not a change of house. She doesn’t think he’s quite suited to being a volunteer. But why not become Susan’s personal assistant and keep her company sitting at the counter?Lynda is pleasantly surprised when Fallon agrees to join the fete committee. Fallon is looking forward to a homecoming staycation with Harrison. They’ll also be celebrating his new dream job, finally becoming a Rural Crime Officer. Ian turns up unexpectedly at Home Farm to address with Brian what Adam is owed from the partnership. Brian is pleased to hear that Adam’s not pursuing a legal case, but doesn’t see anything else to discuss. Ian claims that Brian has always kept Adam at arm’s length. Brian disputes this – he raised him as a farmer and gave him every opportunity, but was stabbed in the back. Ian blurts out that he knows about Ruairi and George – and that proves what Brian has done for a son he really cares about. Ian threatens Brian with telling George the truth, unless he gives Adam what he is due.

Tony’s impressed by David in his traditional bowler hat as an official of The Borchester Show. George reports a problem with a water leak at one of the handwashing stations near the livestock. As Tony finds a spanner and George tightens the pipe, David is drenched. Disaster is also averted when a calf breaks free - George catching it and Tony grabbing its mother. David asks Tracy to alert the committee that he’ll be delayed while he finds dry clothes. Thinking she’s addressing a committee member, Tracy explains to HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh that David has been delayed. Embarrassed by her mistake, Tracy goes on to explain that she’s representing Bridge Farm, and is impressed to hear that Her Royal Highness has tasted Borsetshire Blue. As President of LEAF - Linking Environment and Farming, the Duchess is keen to connect people with where their food comes from, so Tracy issues an invitation to the dairy. The Duchess gives a speech praising a very special organic farmer. The winner of the lifetime achievement award is – Tony Archer! Reflecting, Tony doesn’t feel he deserves it on his own, he’s only achieved it with the help of Pat and the children. He realises that his role at the show has been a ruse but David insists he’s been essential. They all have something to celebrate – Keira’s Texel lamb coming first in its class, Chris and his partner coming second in the farrier competition, and David in particular, having pulled together an exceptional show.

On the Green, Susan notices the new cot in Amber’s car. Amber explains that she’s returning it to her parents – she and George want to use the Grundy cot and don’t need the Gordons’ money. As Susan advises sensitivity with returning it, Amber becomes faint. Amber explains that she’s exhausted with the amount of social media work for the Borchester Show. She’s not slept well and hasn’t started her maternity leave. Susan asks if George can help more, and insists that she helps Amber by returning the cot for her. At the showground, Amber is furious to discover that George has been helping Bill to move cars instead of working on the socials. She makes a point of telling her father that they won’t be needing the cot, and that Susan will be returning it to them in the coming days. She’s also angry with George - not only is he banned from driving, she’s having to do everything herself! In the horse box, Chris pulls on his hoodie while the fake tan he’s applied develops. When Lottie arrives and wants to take advantage of the cute living quarters, Chris is resistant to undress and ushers her out to the showground. Later, Chris ignores Lottie’s request for a kiss goodbye and runs back to the shower at the horse box – he’s forgotten to rinse off the mousse! Embarrassed, he reveals his orange arms to Lottie. He’d only wanted to look less pasty by the other farriers. The only option is to keep scrubbing and Lottie flirts and offers to help.

Chatting to Ian at Honeysuckle Cottage, Alice can’t believe they want to take Brian to court. All Alice wants is for Martha to have a peaceful relationship with her grandfather – that’s more important than money. When Adam arrives home, Alice is on the attack but he stops her – he’s been to see his solicitor and has called it all off. When Alice leaves, a stunned Ian questions the change of heart – with his share of the profits Adam could have something worthwhile to show for his years in farming. Adam responds that a court case will create even more bad blood. He has his achievements in Kenya, he has Xander and Ian, and that’s what counts. It may not be fair, but Brian will not change and they need to accept it. Grumbling about the heat in his window, Bert makes his way to the shop, getting in Susan’s way and finally settling with some humbugs behind the counter. As Susan creates a display, she reveals her idea for a taster session at the shop to encourage more volunteers. She probes further about Clive’s care and Bert disputes that he came back in a state. It’s been a relief not to be preened and prodded all the time. He likes being at the shop after a miserable homecoming – perhaps he should volunteer! At Tracy’s, Susan shares her idea – Bert should move to Ambridge View for a change of scene and to take the pressure off Tracy. Tracy wishes her sister luck as she will need to approach Neil with the concept.

David updates Brian on the dog attack. Frustratingly, until the dog is identified, he can’t claim compensation for the loss of his sheep from its owner. David praises Tony for the progress he’s made with Bridge Farm’s garden. Joining Tony to dig, they discuss the investment into another milking parlour or polytunnels, until Tony’s spade hits metal – John’s childhood model Fordson Major. David encourages him in a new project to clean it up. Over lunch with Alice, Brian asks after Martha and apologises that he can’t help out with her more. He offers help with the extra costs of care in the holidays, but Alice insists she’s fine. Brian’s glad she’s found someone like Rex who’ll stand up for her and confides that he really misses Miranda. He’s afraid he’ll end up like Bert Horrobin, miserable and alone in The Bull.Ian is fretting that now he’s so involved at Grey Gables, Adam is not up to speed with school admin and Xander’s needs. Bringing a peace lily to the hotel, Adam concedes that Ian did so much under the radar for Xander. Later, Adam reveals his shock at the invoice from his solicitor. Ian thinks his siblings should share the high cost, as they’d benefit from any settlement. Adam doesn’t want to rock the boat and thinks he should cut his losses – Brian will never let this fight go. But Ian’s determined not to let Brian walk all over them. He won’t let Adam give up after giving 20 years of his life to Home Farm.

As Chris packs his and Martha’s things ahead of Harrison’s return from Yorkshire, he shares with Fallon his hopes that his flat will be ready soon. Last time he lived at Susan and Neil’s, they almost sent him doolally. Hannah calls, letting Chris know that one of the farriers for the Borchester Show has been injured and will have to pull out of the pairs. Fallon suggests that Chris takes his place. Later, he worries about demonstrating his skills in front of his peers, but Fallon speculates on the real reason for his reticence – Chris lacks the sun-kissed glow of many of the farriers on social media! At Tracy’s, she and Susan are shocked to see the arrival of Bert by taxi. Thinner and unshaven, Bert insists that Clive has cared well for him, but Clive’s new job means it’s impractical now, so he’s back – and unimpressed to find his bedroom being used for laundry. Bert is not impressed that Susan is going to a Fleetwood Mac tribute and Tracy’s working at The Bull. Nor is he happy that she’s taken on more dairy work. Treating him to a meal and a pint, Tracy takes him to work and Bert reluctantly lets Brian sit with him. Brian listens to Bert’s grumbles about his family and being made to feel a burden but reproaches him – Bert should be proud to have such hardworking, caring daughters. Put out, Bert fires back that Brian is high and mighty and has no right to interfere, considering his own family’s issues.

Martyn mobilises a team with water tankers to help David remedy the equestrian ring at the Showground. Delighted David buys the drinks at the Bull. Neil catches Ed to find out what’s going on with him and Martyn. Neil’s horrified as Ed explains Martyn’s offer of some lucrative tree work in exchange for informing on Brian at Home Farm. Keira feels pressured by her family to show the Texels for Ed at the Borchester Show, but admits to George she doesn’t want to be centre of attention. As George pressures Keira to face up to responsibility she makes a pointed comment about him not refusing the Gordons’ cot, before escaping George after his clumsy remark about her running away. Neil encourages George to start listening to Keira, before talking about how George can be a good parent. He steers George to realise the Grundy cot is best. George asserts the other one can stay at the Gordons’ place. He thanks Neil for setting him straight. George apologises to Keira. She jokes the apology should be for the last four years. They work together to choose a Texel ewe for the show. George is pleased they’re talking and insists he’s not giving up on them. Keira starts to soften. After reluctantly agreeing to be filmed halter training by George, the two chat and Keira opens up about her feelings towards George and her parents. Keira agrees to show the Texels. She still needs to say her piece to George, and will let him know when she’s figured it out.

With Martyn Gibson’s water company links, Neil asks a favour of him to help David and Chris with the Show’s equestrian situation. Neil shocks Martyn by revealing that Adam has left Home Farm, quickly realising Martyn didn’t know, as Martyn storms over to see Brian. Martyn wants assurance that Home Farm will honour their contract for the Borchester Land harvest. Ed reassures Martyn and Brian props Ed up as his deputy, leaving Martyn to make a pointed comment about paying Ed a manager’s salary, and Ed tentatively asking Brian about this. Brian puts him off and suggests a drink. Neil’s faux pas leads Susan to wonder about offering Adam work in the shop while Jim’s away. They also discuss George and Amber falling out over the Gordons’ posh cot, and Bert staying at Clive’s. Neil thinks they need a city break, like Jim. Lottie invites Neil and Susan to join her and Chris in the busy Bull, also offering Neil a way to avoid Martyn. She then includes Brian and Ed. Privately, Martyn offers Chris some help with the Show, then finds Ed. Martyn wants Ed to effectively spy on Brian at Home Farm and report back to him. Ed’s not keen, and Martyn offers a potential bribe in the form of a large tree surgery job. It appears Ed won’t be bought though. At their table, Lottie invites everyone’s best idea for Pip and Stella’s ‘Lesbi-Hen’ party. Susan wins the prize of a free dinner with her idea of a treasure hunt based on meaningful locations around the village.

Kate treats Kirsty to a free massage at Spiritual Home, and as they talk about Kirsty’s wellbeing, Kate mentions she can see Kirsty’s pregnancy bump. The relaxed mood is somewhat soured by the smell of manure, which leads Kate into a rant about Brian. Losing her concentration, Kate becomes too forceful with Kirsty’s foot massage, and Kirsty begs her to stop before she causes an injury! Over herbal tea, Kirsty listens as Kate worries about being the only sibling with a business connected to Brian. Kirsty suggests an escape plan. Kate seizes on this – she’ll move Spiritual Home to the Rewilding site.George struggles to get started with his interview with Bill, who offers to come back to it – they enjoy coffee and a chat, with Bill offering something stronger and drinking from a hip flask. George is staying off the booze, supporting Amber, and reckons that’s the only way he’s good at supporting. But Bill praises grafter George, before revealing a few things about himself. Bill apologies for how he and Anne Marie behaved towards George back in February, and says he deserves a clean slate. George levels with Bill about how things need to be between Amber and her parents, before Bill tries to persuade George about the benefits of the swish new cot they’ve got for them. Bill feels that as grandparents they should have an input, and this cot is what their grandchild needs.